Knockout: Outside the Octagon, #3

Summary

No sooner has MMA fighter Aedan Kearney proved his integrity in the ring, then he's challenged all over again by a far more deadly challenger than any fighter he's ever met.

His new glamorous assistant has made no secret of the fact that she'll do what it takes to make him her own. With a baby at home taking all his beautiful wife's spare time, Aedan asks himself what's the harm in a little flirtation—only to find out just how much damage a spiteful woman can do.

At the same time, Rosa is finding motherhood isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her bed is empty–and so is her heart. Has the dream died so soon? As her own career takes off, she's confronted with temptations of her own.

Will fame and fortune fill the void that's left when her husband stops coming home?

They've come so far in such a short time. It seems almost impossible that their marriage can end so quickly. But selling out comes in many forms. As the media descends, is there anything that can save them now?

Climbing the ladder of success always comes at a price and Outside the Octagon, you never know what is going to happen.

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Knockout - Lexy Timms

Knockout Blurb

No sooner has MMA fighter Aedan Kearney proved his integrity in the ring, then he’s challenged all over again by a far more deadly challenger than any fighter he’s ever met.

His new glamorous assistant has made no secret of the fact that she’ll do what it takes to make him her own. With a baby at home taking all his beautiful wife’s spare time, Aedan asks himself what’s the harm in a little flirtation—only to find out just how much damage a spiteful woman can do.

At the same time, Rosa is finding motherhood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Her bed is empty–and so is her heart. Has the dream died so soon? As her own career takes off, she’s confronted with temptations of her own.

Will fame and fortune fill the void that’s left when her husband stops coming home?

They’ve come so far in such a short time. It seems almost impossible that their marriage can end so quickly. But selling out comes in many forms. As the media descends, is there anything that can save them now?

Climbing the ladder of success always comes at a price and Outside the Octagon, you never know what is going to happen.

Outside the Octagon

Submit - Book 1

Fight - Book 2

Knockout - Book 3

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Contents

Knockout Blurb

Outside the Octagon

Find Lexy Timms:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Outside the Octagon

More by Lexy Timms:

Chapter 1

Aedan ran his hands over his face, shaking his head back and forth to get rid of the droplets of water that still remained, splattering them across the smooth tile floor, where they made small plopping sounds when they hit. He used one hand to hold up the towel around his waist, and the other to tie it securely in place, leaving it hanging a bit low on his hips. It didn’t matter; no one else was in the locker room anyway.

Sometimes, he could hardly believe he was there. So much had changed, things he hadn’t even thought about, and here he was, standing in the middle of a locker room in a high-end gym, getting ready for his training session.

He supposed life was strange like that.

Aedan swung the locker door open, rested one hand against it, and stared in dismay at the pile of wrappers crumpled at the bottom and the mismatched clothes haphazardly strewn in there, most off the hooks and creating a pyramid of discarded clothes on top of the wrappers. As soon as the door opened, a few items fell out, as if protesting his organizational skills. He scowled at them.

Sure, he might have not been the most organized person in the world, or even in the room, but he knew he could do better than this. His locker seemed to taunt him with the reminder of everything he wasn’t. He shook his head and he grinned to himself, wondering what Rosa would say if she saw the state of it.

She’d probably give him that look, the one he was coming to know so well. Perhaps a small smile of amusement would form on her lips as she began to tidy up – all while muttering to herself about what a slob he was. Not that she’d mean it. When she was done, he could well imagine her reaching up to place a light kiss on his cheek, the scent of her perfume filling his nostrils.

He’d never imagined he could be so happy. Having Rosa in his life had completely changed things for the better. It was like he’d been missing something all those years, a part of him, and she just seamlessly fit in. Everything was brighter and happier with her by his side, and his friends liked to tease him about that.

Aedan was not a romantic, not by any stretch of the imagination, yet when it came to Rosa, he felt like doing all those things that movies, songs and books talked about and more. He smiled as he looked at the picture of them hanging up in his locker, courtesy of Rosa, then turned his attention to the task at hand.

He felt much better after the hot shower, a little bit strung up, which was normal given what he was about to do, but he felt ready. Today was going to be a good day. He could feel it in his bones.

Aedan gazed left then right before he slipped off his towel and quickly but efficiently ran it across his body, wiping off any excess water that remained. When he was done, he slipped on a pair of boxers, followed by a pair of shorts and a shirt. Experimentally, he stretched out his arm to test whether or not it was still sore, and he sighed in relief when it didn’t scream in protest.

Good. He was ready.

He gathered up the bits and pieces of clothes that had fallen out of the locker and tossed them back in, guaranteeing a similar avalanche tomorrow. Now that he cared. So long as it closed now, that’s all that mattered.

Before he slammed the locker door shut, he took one last look at his picture with Rosa, giving her nose a tiny tap for luck, and headed out, jogging to get the blood in his veins pumping. It was a technique he’d developed recently to get himself excited before a match, and it thus far it worked fairly well

Frank was waiting for him in the corner of the room, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes surveying him critically as he approached. Frank was dressed in his usual attire: a pair of sweatpants that were a size too big, and a shirt that looked like it was unraveling at the seams. Aedan had offered to get him some new clothes, but Frank had refused in that gruff way of his that told him to back off. They might have been friends, family even, but Frank was still a proud man who refused help unless it was absolutely necessary, and he didn’t deem wardrobe a crucial thing.

As Aedan got close, Frank pushed himself off the wall. It took you long enough. Did you enjoy your spa day, Marilyn?

Aedan grinned. I needed it after the day at the office.

Life in the corporate world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, Frank commented as they walked towards the ring where two people were finishing up. Aedan watched them for a few minutes, mentally filing away any information he might need about their strengths and weaknesses before he turned his attention back to Frank.

The older man looked incredibly uncomfortable with his feet slightly apart and with tension in his shoulders. Over here he was a fish out of water, Aedan knew that. He’d felt it too when he’d left the small venues he’d been fighting in. But at least he was slowly becoming accustomed to it. Sometimes even liking it. After all, there was no shame in enjoying the perks that came along with working hard.

I’m telling you this gym is too freaking flashy, Frank muttered under his breath as he dodged out of the way to avoid a spray of blood hitting him. It fell on the pristine floor, and someone hurried over to mop it up, even before the guy doing the bleeding hit the mat. Frank uncrossed his arms and held them up. "You see? How are you supposed to focus on training if you’re too worried about getting their pretty floors dirty?"

Aedan snorted, but privately he wondered if Frank was right. It was an expensive gym. Everything in here screamed money. However, Aedan knew that the second he got into that ring, nothing else mattered. At that point, the rest of the world always melted away until the only thing he could hear was the sound of his own heart, pounding away in his ribcage. The moment he got there, in that zone, was when he started tasting victory.

In the end, that was all that mattered; his ability to focus and not let the trivial details get to his head.

You worry too much. Aedan clapped him on the back, and Frank grumbled under his breath before he fixed Aedan with a look.

You don’t worry enough, Frank accused, one eyebrow raised.

Nah, I already have too many people in my life who worry enough for me, Aedan said. He shrugged, shoved his hands in his pockets and stepped into the ring which had been cleared now of fighters, spreading his arms wide and tilting his head back. He breathed deeply, letting the air flow through his lungs and feeling every single nerve in his body stand alert. He let his head drop forward, his hair falling into his face. Frustrated, he blew a strand of hair out of his mouth and cleared his throat.

You do realize you need a haircut, right? Frank pointed out. Your hair is just going to get in the way when you’re fighting. The last thing you want is it falling into your eyes.

Frank narrowed his eyes and thwacked Aedan with the nearest item he could get his hands on, which turned out to be a towel. Just for that, you’re going to drop and give me twenty, Frank growled, his mouth twitching in amusement.

Aedan threw his head back and laughed before he dropped to the floor. Come on, Frank. At least make it interesting for me.

Frank’s mouth pressed into a thin line, his eyes glittering as he drew the rope back and stepped into the ring. He leaned back against the ropes and placed his leg firmly on top of Aedan’s back, pressing hard.

Surprised, Aedan nearly dropped to the floor at the unexpected weight. He grunted as he adjusted himself and continued, not even breaking a sweat.

You’re going to be running laps in the cold, Frank said casually, as he placed his other leg so that Aedan was pushing his body and half of Frank’s up as well. He clamped his mouth shut, biting down the sarcastic remark he was about to make.

Frank didn’t mind joking around, but when it came to training he believed it was best to leave personal relationships outside the ring, regardless of their nature. Otherwise they weighed you down. That included the comradery he had with his fighters. Aedan was no exception although everyone knew Frank had a soft spot for him. It was mainly why he spent most of his time in this glittering gym. Frank was the one who spotted Aedan’s talent after all. From the get-go, he’d believed in Aedan, and it wasn’t something he was likely to forget anytime soon. He’d knew he’d be nothing without the man and said that often, though Aedan sometimes in his darkest moments doubted that was actually the case.

A thin bead of sweat formed on his back and rolled down, leaving a sticky feeling in its wake. Aedan coughed and stood up, shrugging off Frank’s legs. He pretended to dust off his clothes, his breathing came out short and even. He wasn’t panting, nor had he broken a sweat. On the contrary, he was in prime condition. No, he was better. For all intents and purposes, Aedan was in peak physical shape. He knew Gabriel would be pleased.

As if he’d conjured him up just by thinking of him, the double doors swung open, and Gabriel waltzed in, his Bluetooth glued to his ear as he waved at his fighters enthusiastically.

Gabriel was a friendly man with an easy smile, and an earnestness that drew people in. However, it’s also what made people underestimate him. Outside of business, he was as nice as they came especially with his row of pearly white teeth and impeccable manners, but when it came to business, Gabriel was a shark.

He circled his opponents and struck once he felt the time was right, and his timing was always on point. It made a lot of people want to hire him, and he’d earned the respect of his colleagues, albeit begrudgingly.

Aedan hadn’t trusted him at first, not after his experience with Harvey the snake, but Gabriel had slowly proven that the only thing he was interested in was the game. So, he set about providing Aedan with every opportunity he could get his hands on to enable Aedan to prove himself.

It had worked.

Gabriel represented him now, and everyone seemed happy with that decision. Rosa liked him, Frank respected him, and Aedan admired his work ethic. It was a win-win-win situation. Today, Gabriel was dressed in his usual pressed suit with white collar shirt, but his suit jacket was casually slung over his arm as he spoke in hushed rapid fire tones, his eyes surveying the gym, nodding almost to himself.

He spotted Aedan and made his way over, his dark hair gleaming underneath the bright lights. He rolled his eyes and ended the call, smiling as he took Aedan’s hand and shook it.

How’s it going?

It’s going well, Aedan assured him. Gabriel had a habit of checking in on Aedan frequently, and at first he thought it was because he was afraid Aedan would bolt. After his experience with agents, no one would’ve blamed him. Harvey had almost cost him his career.

Then he realized that Gabriel did that with a lot of fighters, not just Aedan. He not only had their careers in mind, but he also liked to make sure they had everything they needed. Sound mind, healthy body, and all that.

I think it’s a fancy ass gym, and I have no idea why it was built like that, Frank interrupted, boldly.

Gabriel chuckled. You’re right. It is a little on the flashy side, but our investors like to provide the best.

Frank snorted. Clearly, they’ve never had to fight before.

No, I’d guess they haven’t, Gabriel agreed.

Frank loved sparring with Gabriel, and the feeling was obviously mutual. At first, it seemed like they were testing each other, like it was some kind of pissing contest, but after a while, Aedan realized they’d grown to respect and even like each other. This was just their way of expressing it.

His phone rang, interrupting his train of thought, and he excused himself to answer it. Carmen Parker’s name flashed across the screen. He pictured the petite blonde with a penchant for fancy clothes, and the ability to hold her own and wondered what she needed. So far she’d proved herself to be just the assistant he needed to help manage Rosa’s father’s company, especially given that it hadn’t been easy trying to get the company off the ground. There were times when juggling two careers, and a family was enough to drive him insane, but he did the best he could. It helped that Rosa was patiently by his side through everything, sharing his burdens and celebrating his success as if they were her own.

He cupped his hand over the phone and answered. Good morning, Carmen.

Good morning, Aedan, she greeted him, her voice slightly breathy. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but they need you here in the office.

Aedan sighed. Are you sure they can’t do without me? I need to get in some time at the gym.

I’m afraid they can’t, she responded, her tone apologetic. I’m sure they understand how important this is to you.

Thus far this had been Carmen’s only flaw. She had this way of making him feel guilty whenever he was at the gym, and not in the office. He was pretty sure that wasn’t in the job description, but he also knew that she meant well. After all, this job meant a lot to her. She spent a lot of hours alongside him, putting in the work, staying long after everyone else had left just to help him, and he appreciated the effort. For someone so young she’d proven herself to be fairly ambitious and accomplished more in a day that anyone else he knew. Lately he’d been taking a fair amount of ribbing for the hours they spent together. After all, Carmen was a very attractive woman. But when all was said and done, Rosa was the only one he wanted, and it didn’t matter how many of his business colleagues envied him for having such a hot assistant. He just shrugged it off. Anyone who didn’t realize Rosa was the love of his life didn’t know him at all. He sure as hell wouldn’t jeopardize that for the world. He never understood how some men put in so much time and effort to win over a girl only to screw her over down the line. What was the point?

All they needed, or at least what he thought they should want, was one good woman. Someone who stood by them through thick and thin.

Aedan?

Aedan blinked, realizing he hadn’t given Carmen an answer. Right, okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Frank was next to him, squinting at him and mumbling something about distractions.

Aedan ended the call and shot Frank a look. I’ll come back as soon as I’m done, and it’ll be okay.

Frank nodded but said nothing.

I’ll whoop your ass in the ring, Aedan teased.

Frank scoffed and shooed him away. Dream on, boy, Frank called out as Aedan packed up his stuff and swung his bag over his shoulder.

With my eyes wide open.

Chapter 2

C ome on, honey, please take a bite for me, Rosa pleaded in hushed tones as she switched the phone from one ear to the other. A year ago, she’d never dreamed her life would turn out this way. Motherhood was nothing like she expected it to be.

All the baby books, self-care books and parenting advice in the world hadn’t prepared for the little Tasmanian devil that had simply whirled into their lives. Sure, they’d spent months preparing, going to birthing classes together and watching all the videos they could get their hands on, but the second Frankie arrived, all the things they’d learned had flown right out the window.

Reality had turned out to be completely different from what she’d expected. None of the books had prepared her for the sleepless nights when she could barely feel her own body, much less wake up to nurse Frankie, yet somehow she did. The bone deep exhaustion that seemed to be a permanent part of her had been the hardest part to get used to. Rosa had always been used to managing her time the way she wanted in order to succeed.

With Frankie in the mix, his priorities came first, and there were very few people to whom she’d admit it, there had been many moments when she cried tears of exhaustion and frustration. His needs and wants were constant, and hers didn’t just take a backseat. They weren’t even in the car anymore, being dragged somewhere behind like an old shoe on a wedding limousine, playing second fiddle to both her husband and son’s needs.

The light glinted off her simple gold wedding band, and she stared at it and sighed. When Aedan had first proposed, Rosa had assumed he was simply overwhelmed. It had only been a few weeks since she told him about the baby, and she thought he wasn’t doing it for the right reasons. They’d